The Mandarin’s Sunday Selections for 17th September 2023

The Mandarin’s Doncaster Racecard for Sunday September 17th

Hippo Carpet Protector Handicap 1.50
Ayyab
The opener can go to Sean Wood’s filly as she steps into handicap company for the first time. She’s been progressive this summer, getting into the frame at Newmarket in June, before taking the runners-up spot at Nottingham last month. More to come, with Tom Marquand in the saddle adding to the appeal

Betfred City Of Doncaster Handicap 2.25
Executive Decision (nap)
Executive Decision came out of Jessica Harrington’s yard for a tidy sum this summer, and has quickly made into a smart sprinter. Off the mark on British soil at Goodwood last month, she followed up at Chepstow just 9 days later. Executive Decision will have no concerns on this softer going, which would be the main concern for ante-post favourite, Nine Tenths, but this pair should be the ones to follow. Saffie Osbourne is going great guns at the moment, and can bring up the hat-trick on the selection

Vickers.Bet Leger Legends Classified Stakes 3.00
I Still Have Faith
As the legends line up for this annual event, it may pay to side with Ben Brookhouse’s I Still Have Faith. The Expert Eye gelding has been a model of consistency this term, with two wins and two runners-up spots in a busy campaign. I Still Have Faith lines up on a useful mark as a three year old, and we still have faith that Tom Scudamore is the man for the top job!

Japan Racing Association Sceptre Fillies’ Stakes (Group 3) (Fillies & Mares) 3.35
Cachet (nb)
The 1,000 Guineas winner in 2022, who almost repeated the front-running tactics again in the French version of that Classic, the Poule D’Essai des Pouliches. She’s not been seen trackside since her fifth in the Coronation Stakes at Royal Ascot in that same year, but goes well fresh, and is eased markedly in grade here. If anywhere near as good as she was, should be winning this, so Cachet is the one to catch with Ryan Moore in the hot seat

Betfred Scarborough Stakes (Listed) 4.10
Raasel
Mick Appleby’s smart sprinter has taken a while to come to the boil this year, but finally put it all together at Haydock Park last week. He wouldn’t be wanting any more rain on this Town Moor track, which could bring Silky Wilkie into the reckoning, while Rogue Lightning has improved plenty for being gelded, and goes to post on a hat-trick after wins here and at Ascot. Any of these three can take this Listed contest, but Raasel is a classy sort on his day and seems to have finally come into form

I Love Julie Parkes Nursery Handicap 4.45
Charming Whisper
This is a tough Nursery but it’s Philip McBride’s Charming Whisper that gets the nudge. The Charm Spirit gelding sprang a real surprise when a 50/1 shot at Yarmouth, and can take the step up to a mile in his stride. The in-form Swift Salian and Jedd O’Keefe’s Monsieur Melee rate the obvious dangers, but Charming Whisper is one going the right way, with Adam Farragher’s 3lb claim a useful offset

KC Sofas Michael Charnock Memorial Handicap 5.20
Slingsbytoo
Mick Easterby can wrap things up at Doncaster’s St Leger meeting with Slingsbytoo. This Bungle inthejungle gelding lost the maiden tag at Catterick in July, and showed enough when runner-up here next time out on soft ground to get our selection for this ordinary Class 5. Joanna Mason is back for the trip, and might get Slingsbytoo more prominent this time. Every chance

The Mandarin